The RSPB’s Ouse Fen nature reserve consists of three sections – the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project, Barleycroft Gravel Pit and Berry Fen. In time, the reserve will also include parts of the Needingworth Quarry Lakes (formerly known as Barleycroft Gravel Pits), the lake complex adjacent to Hanson Aggregates quarry plant site at Needingworth.

The Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project, launched locally on 4th July 2002, will create the largest section of the Ouse Fen nature reserve in phases over the next 30 years. During this time some 28 million tonnes of sand and gravel will be extracted from the east side of the River Great Ouse in a triangle between Over, Earith and Willingham to create a 700 hectare wetland reserve managed by the RSPB. Some 460 hectares of this will be reedbed, the largest reed-bed in the UK. The reedbed will be in 20-40 hectare blocks divided by low earth banks that enable each block to be managed separately as necessary. Following each phase of extraction, the new reedbed landform will be constructed, planted with reeds and then handed over to the RSPB so that there is a steadily growing nature reserve. Eventually there will be 32 km of pathways around the completed reserve. The new footpaths will enable good viewing of most of the pits and will link up with the Ouse Valley Way.

As the project is located on an active quarry, access is currently limited. Needingworth Quarry Lakes can be accessed from the new bridleway (TL356715), which runs from just north of the Pike and Eel Pub, off Overcote Lane, Needingworth. Following the Ouse Valley Way northwards from the Pike and Eel, you can cross the river at Brownshill Staunch, to view the first two Cells of the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project, or continue straight on to view Barleycroft Gravel Pit and Berry Fen, which can also be accessed by public footpath from Bluntisham. Foot and cycle access is also available to the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project via Over, along either Fen End and Long Lane or Chain Road and Long Drove.

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